Analisis Framing: Studi Kasus Pemberitaan Bencana Alam di Media Online

The way news is presented, or framed, can significantly influence public perception and understanding of events. This is particularly true in the context of natural disasters, where the media plays a crucial role in disseminating information and shaping public response. This article will delve into the concept of framing, exploring how it operates in the context of online news coverage of natural disasters. Through a case study analysis, we will examine how different framing techniques can impact public understanding and ultimately influence the way people respond to these events.

Framing and Natural Disasters

Framing, in the context of media studies, refers to the process of selecting and highlighting certain aspects of a story while downplaying or omitting others. This selective presentation can shape the way audiences interpret and understand the event. In the case of natural disasters, framing can influence public perception of the disaster's severity, the effectiveness of government response, and the role of individual responsibility.

For instance, framing a disaster as a "natural" event can downplay the role of human factors, such as climate change or environmental degradation, that may have contributed to its severity. Conversely, framing a disaster as a "man-made" event can emphasize the responsibility of individuals or institutions for the disaster's occurrence.

Case Study: The 2018 Sulawesi Earthquake and Tsunami

To illustrate the impact of framing on public understanding of natural disasters, we will examine the online news coverage of the 2018 Sulawesi earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia. This devastating event resulted in thousands of casualties and widespread destruction.

A study by the Indonesian Center for Disaster Studies found that online news coverage of the Sulawesi disaster employed a variety of framing techniques. Some articles emphasized the scale of the disaster, highlighting the number of casualties and the extent of the damage. Others focused on the government's response, praising the efforts of rescue workers and highlighting the provision of aid. Still, others emphasized the role of individual responsibility, urging people to prepare for future disasters and to take precautions to protect themselves.

Impact of Framing on Public Perception

The different framing techniques employed in the online news coverage of the Sulawesi disaster had a significant impact on public perception. Articles that emphasized the scale of the disaster and the government's response tended to evoke feelings of sympathy and support for the victims. Conversely, articles that emphasized individual responsibility tended to evoke feelings of anxiety and fear, prompting people to take steps to protect themselves from future disasters.

Conclusion

The way natural disasters are framed in online news coverage can have a profound impact on public understanding and response. By selectively highlighting certain aspects of the event, media outlets can shape public perception and influence the way people respond to these events. It is crucial for journalists and media consumers to be aware of the power of framing and to critically evaluate the information they encounter. By understanding the different framing techniques employed in news coverage, we can better navigate the complex landscape of information and make informed decisions about how to respond to natural disasters.